Business and Operations Manager

Rebus Theatre

Rebus Theatre

Canberra ACT

Management (Advertising, Arts & Media)

Part time

$45 – $55 per hour

Business & Operations Manager – Rebus Theatre

Rebus Theatre creates theatre that leads cultural change.

For more than two decades, Rebus has worked at the intersection of performance, inclusion, community and systems change—creating theatre, training and participatory experiences that challenge assumptions, foster empathy and shift how communities and institutions work together.

Our work spans major productions, immersive public works, community-led programs, national training initiatives and partnerships across arts, government, education, health and social sectors.

As we transition into a new national operating model—with projects, artists and teams working across multiple states and a growing leadership role within Canberra’s cultural ecosystem—we are seeking an exceptional Business & Operations Manager to help build the organisational infrastructure that supports this next chapter.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a nationally recognised arts organisation designed for impact.

About the Role

This is not a traditional arts administration role.

Rebus already has highly experienced artistic, producing and creative teams working across theatre and film.

We are looking for an operational leader who thrives in complexity.

Someone who can bring structure to ambitious ideas, simplify systems, coordinate multiple stakeholders, create accountability across projects, and build an organisation capable of operating nationally.

Reporting directly to the Artistic Director / CEO, you will lead the operational, governance and business functions of the organisation—ensuring artistic ambition is matched by sustainable systems, strong compliance, financial clarity and exceptional organisational practice.

You will also play an important role in strengthening Rebus’ relationships across government and public institutions, helping position the organisation for future partnerships, investment and civic impact.

You may be a great fit if you:

Have significant experience managing operations in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
Have worked closely with government, public institutions, funding bodies or policy environments.
Understand how to build strategic relationships that lead to long-term partnerships and opportunities.
Enjoy creating order, clarity and systems that help teams do their best work.
Can confidently oversee governance, finance, HR, compliance and organisational planning.
Are comfortable supporting distributed teams working across locations and projects.
Know when to lead, when to coordinate, and when to remove barriers for others.

Key Responsibilities

Lead organisational operations and business systems.
Oversee governance processes and Board administration.
Manage organisational and project budget oversight and acquittal readiness.
Monitor delivery across projects and programs.
Lead HR operations, recruitment and staff support processes.
Drive organisational compliance and risk management.
Strengthen relationships across government, funding and institutional sectors.
Coordinate fundraising administration, sponsorship systems and organisational reporting.
Build scalable systems to support national growth.

Selection Criteria:

Demonstrated senior experience in operations, business management, governance, public administration, or organisational leadership.
Strong experience working with government agencies, public funding environments, or complex stakeholder ecosystems.
Experience translating strategic plans into practical delivery.
Financial oversight and budget management capability.
Experience managing organisational change and operational growth.
Excellent written communication and reporting skills.

Desired

Existing networks across ACT Government, Federal Government, arts agencies, education, community services, or related sectors.
Experience in the arts, cultural, social impact, not-for-profit, community or public sectors.
Knowledge of ACNC compliance and grant-funded environments.
Experience supporting distributed or national teams.

What We Offer

Flexible and hybrid work arrangements.
Opportunity to shape the future operating model of a nationally ambitious arts organisation.
Professional development opportunities.
Salary packaging benefits.
A collaborative team of experienced artists, producers and sector leaders.
A role with significant influence and long-term growth potential.

Conditions

Permanent Part-Time

30 hours per week

12-month contract (extension subject to funding)

Canberra preferred. Flexible arrangements considered for exceptional candidates.

Negotiable based on experience + superannuation + salary packaging.

Applications should include:

Cover letter addressing the selection criteria (maximum 3 pages)
CV
Optional examples of governance, operational or partnership work

Applications close: 20 July, 2026

For enquiries contact: ***email_hidden***

Rebus Theatre strongly encourages applications from First Nations people, disabled people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people whose experiences strengthen our commitment to inclusive leadership.